Antiseptic vs. Antimicrobial

Antiseptic vs. Antimicrobial — Is There a Difference?
ADVERTISEMENT

Difference Between Antiseptic and Antimicrobial

Antisepticadjective

Of, or relating to antisepsis, or the use of antiseptics.

Antimicrobialadjective

(pharmaceutical effect) tending to destroy or capable of destroying microbes

Antisepticadjective

Capable of preventing microbial infection.

Antimicrobialadjective

(pharmaceutical effect) inhibiting the growth of microbes

Antisepticadjective

Very clean; aseptic.

Antimicrobialadjective

(pharmaceutical effect) preventing or counteracting the pathogenic action of microbes

ADVERTISEMENT

Antisepticadjective

Free of unpleasantness; sanitized or bowdlerized.

Antimicrobialnoun

an agent that destroys microbes, inhibits their growth, or prevents or counteracts their pathogenic action

Antisepticnoun

Any substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Generally includes only those that are used on living objects (as opposed to disinfectants) and aren't transported by the lymphatic system to destroy bacteria in the body (as opposed to antibiotics).

Antimicrobialnoun

an agent (as heat or radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease

Antisepticnoun

a substance that destroys micro-organisms that carry disease without harming body tissues

Antimicrobialadjective

capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microorganisms

ADVERTISEMENT

Antisepticadjective

thoroughly clean and free of or destructive to disease-causing organisms;

doctors in antiseptic green coatsthe antiseptic effect of alcoholit is said that marjoram has antiseptic qualities

Antisepticadjective

clean and honest;

antiseptic financial practices

Antisepticadjective

freeing from error or corruption;

the antiseptic effect of sturdy criticism

Antisepticadjective

made free from live bacteria or other microorganisms;

sterilized instruments

Antisepticadjective

(extended sense) of exceptionally clean language;

lyrics as antiseptic as Sunday School